So, you’re standing on the sand at the Grand Strand, looking at that massive blue horizon, and wondering if you should actually dive in. Or maybe you're sitting on your couch three states away, planning a winter escape to South Carolina and trying to figure out if you need to pack the heavy-duty wetsuit or just a standard swimsuit. Honestly, the current water temperature Myrtle Beach offers right now might be a bit of a reality check if you were expecting tropical vibes in the middle of January.
Today, January 15, 2026, the Atlantic is hovering around 54°F to 55°F.
That is brisk. It’s the kind of cold that makes your ankles ache after about thirty seconds of wading. While the air might feel relatively mild—sometimes hitting those sweet 60-degree spots that make the Northern Tier states jealous—the ocean hasn't received the memo. It’s lagging behind. If you're looking at the sensors near Springmaid Pier or the 2nd Avenue Pier, you're seeing numbers that basically say: "Wetsuit required, or stay on the boardwalk."
The Truth About the Current Water Temperature Myrtle Beach Waves
Most people assume that because South Carolina is "The South," the water stays warmish year-round. It doesn't. Not even close.
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The Atlantic here is shallow, sitting on a broad continental shelf. This means it reacts to the air and wind much faster than deeper waters. Right now, those cold offshore winds and the long winter nights have sucked the heat right out of the surf. For context, we are currently about 14 to 15 degrees below the historical average for this date if you look at long-term data from the 80s and 90s.
What does 55 degrees actually feel like?
In the world of swimming, 55°F is classified as "very cold."
- Under 50°F: Extreme danger of cold shock.
- 50°F to 60°F: Very uncomfortable; breathing becomes difficult if you aren't acclimated.
- 60°F to 70°F: Refreshing for some, but still chilly for a casual swim.
- 70°F and up: The "sweet spot" where most people start to feel comfortable.
If you’re a surfer, you’ve basically got two choices right now. You either wear a 4/3mm full wetsuit with booties and a hood, or you don't go out. Local legends like the crew often found near the 13th Ave South spot are definitely suited up in "steamer" gear today. Without it, you're looking at a very short session before your core temp starts to drop.
Why Myrtle Beach Water Temps Vary So Much
There’s this weird thing that happens in the Grand Strand area. You’ll notice that North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach might have slightly different readings than the main Myrtle Beach strip.
A lot of this comes down to "swashes." These are the small tidal creeks that drain into the ocean. After a heavy rain, these swashes dump cooler (or sometimes warmer, depending on the season) freshwater into the surf. It can mess with the local temperature readings and, quite frankly, the water quality.
According to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), you really want to stay at least 200 feet away from these outfall pipes after a storm. Not just because of the temperature change, but because of the bacteria runoff. In the winter, the testing is less frequent than the weekly checks they do from May to October, but the rule of thumb remains: if it just poured rain, wait a day before you go sticking your head under.
The Seasonal Reality Check
| Month | Avg. Water Temp (°F) | What to Wear |
|---|---|---|
| January | 50–55 | 4/3mm Wetsuit + Booties |
| March | 55–60 | 3/2mm Wetsuit |
| May | 70–75 | Just a swimsuit (for the brave) |
| July | 82–85 | Board shorts / Bikini |
| October | 73–78 | Perfect swimming |
January is technically the coldest month for the ocean here. Even though February can have colder air snaps, the water usually hits its absolute floor right about now. It won't really start its upward climb until late March.
Is anyone actually swimming in Myrtle Beach right now?
Usually, no. Not in the ocean.
You’ll see people walking their dogs. You’ll see plenty of folks shell hunting—which is actually better in the winter because the crowds are gone and the storms churn up more treasures. You might even see a few brave souls wading up to their knees. But for the most part, the "swimming" is happening in the heated indoor pools at the resorts.
Places like the Dunes Village Resort or the Crown Reef are packed because they have those massive indoor waterparks. It’s a bit of a local secret: you come for the beach views in the winter, but you do your actual swimming in the 84-degree chlorinated water indoors.
A Note on Safety
Hypothermia is a real thing, even in South Carolina. If you do decide to jump in for a "Polar Plunge" style moment, keep it brief. The National Weather Service warns that cold water drains body heat up to 25 times faster than cold air.
If you start shivering uncontrollably or your hands lose dexterity, get out immediately. Dry off, get into warm clothes, and grab a coffee at one of the spots on the boardwalk. Don't try to "tough it out." The Atlantic doesn't care about your ego.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Current Water Temperature Myrtle Beach
The biggest misconception is that the Gulf Stream keeps Myrtle Beach warm in the winter.
Nope.
The Gulf Stream is actually quite far offshore here—usually about 50 to 60 miles out. While it keeps the deep-sea fishing vibrant (and a bit warmer), that warmth doesn't translate to the shoreline in January. You'd have to take a charter boat out to the "Big Blue" to find those 70-degree waters right now. On the beach, you're dealing with the shelf water, which is dictated by local weather patterns.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you are heading down this week, don't let the 55-degree water ruin your trip. Myrtle Beach in the winter is actually pretty great if you know how to handle it.
First, check the NOAA buoy data before you head out if you're planning on surfing or kayaking. Buoy 41013 (Frying Pan Shoals) is a good offshore indicator, but for the beach, look at the pier-mounted sensors.
Second, if you're a photographer, the winter water is often much clearer than the summer water. Without the massive heat and algae blooms, the "Green" of the Atlantic turns into a deep, crisp blue. It makes for incredible sunrise shots.
Lastly, lean into the "wader" lifestyle. Get some waterproof boots or just accept that your feet will be numb for a bit. The shelling near Myrtle Beach State Park is top-tier this time of year because there isn't a thousand people picking the beach clean every hour.
Your Actionable Winter Beach Strategy
- Monitor the Winds: A land-breeze (coming from the West) will make the water feel even colder as it pushes the surface water away, causing "upwelling."
- Layer Up: Wear a windbreaker on the beach even if it's sunny. That ocean breeze at 55 degrees is a different kind of cold.
- Check the Tide: High tide usually brings in slightly warmer water from the deeper parts of the shelf, whereas low tide exposes the sand to the cold air, chilling the incoming water even more.
- Use the South End: Sometimes, the water near Murrells Inlet or Pawleys Island can be a degree or two warmer due to the way the currents swirl around the inlets, though it's rarely a game-changer.
The current water temperature in Myrtle Beach isn't exactly "vacation friendly" for swimmers right now, but it’s part of the natural rhythm of the coast. Respect the cold, enjoy the lack of crowds, and maybe stick to the indoor lazy river for your actual laps.
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To stay safe and informed, always check the local flags at the lifeguard stands if you're near a populated area; a double red flag means the water is closed entirely, though in January, the temperature usually acts as its own "Keep Out" sign for most. Focus your beach time on long walks and sun-drenched afternoons on the sand, which can still feel incredible even when the ocean is biting.